Cars have traditionally been seen as liabilities due to their high depreciation. However, certain models actually appreciate strongly over time and can be great investments. This applies especially to limited production exotic sports cars and iconic classics. With proper selection, timing and care, investors can buy the right cars and see them gain significant value. By identifying models with enduring demand, limited supply, and iconic status, investors can target vehicles likely to appreciate sharply. However, extensive research is needed to determine the best cars to invest in. Factors like production numbers, condition, desirability and market trends must be analyzed. With smart choices, cars can actually be assets not liabilities.
Ferrari F40 – an ultra-rare 1980s icon with million dollar potential
The Ferrari F40 is considered one of the greatest supercars of all time. Produced from 1987-1992, only 1,311 units were ever built. As Ferrari’s first road car to break the 200 mph barrier, the F40 boasted immense performance from its 470 hp twin-turbo V8. With a full carbon fiber body and minimalist interior focused purely on driving, the F40 embodied the pinnacle of 1980s exotic car design. Values today start around $1.3 million and top examples can fetch over $2 million at auction. With its instantly recognizable looks, immense power and production rarity, the F40 has all the ingredients of a future seven-figure car. For investors seeking blue-chip collectible cars, the F40 stands out as an iconic 1980s Ferrari sure to continue appreciating.
Porsche 911 air-cooled models – enduring sports car icons trading well into six figures
While the latest 911s are technologically advanced, many collectors prefer the purity and analog feel of air-cooled 911s built up to 1998. Models like the 1973 Carrera RS, 1995 993 Turbo and 1996 GT2 have all traded into the six figure range recently. Air-cooled 911s benefit from huge parts availability and a knowledgeable owner community. This ensures restoration quality and drives values higher over time. Certain limited production homologation specials like the RS and GT2 are especially prized by collectors. With their instantly recognizable shapes and rear-engine layout, air-cooled 911s are enduring sports car icons trading at levels comparable to fine art and collectible watches today.
Lamborghini Miura – the 1960s original exotic supercar
When it debuted in 1966, the Miura utterly transformed perceptions of what a sports car could be. Its radical mid-engine V12 layout and jaw dropping looks made it the first true exotic supercar. Instantly collectible from day one, the Miura pioneered the modern supercar template. Only 764 were built from 1966-1973, making the Miura far rarer than contemporary Ferraris. Auction prices today start around $1 million, with the best examples exceeding $2 million. With its sensational styling and significance as the original supercar, the Miura is an absolute investment grade collectible certain to remain valuable for generations to come.
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato – gorgeous Italian styled rarity
At the peak of their collaboration in the early 1960s, legendary Italian design house Zagato built just 19 DB4 GT Zagatos for Aston Martin. With a lighter aluminum body penned by Ercole Spada, the DB4 GT Zagato is considered one of the most beautiful Astons ever. Rarity, beauty and racing pedigree have long made the DB4 GT Zagato a blue-chip collectible. Values crossed into seven figure territory years ago, with recent auction results as high as $14.3 million. For investors seeking the pinnacle of collectible Aston Martins, the DB4 GT Zagato is essentially unobtainium – and prices reflect that today.
McLaren F1 – the first road car to use Formula 1 technology
When it was unveiled in 1992, the McLaren F1 redefined the limits of production car performance. With a 627 hp BMW V12 boasting Formula 1 tech and a 230 mph top speed, it was the fastest road car for over a decade after launch. And with a sticker price over $800k when new in the 1990s, it was also the most expensive. Yet the F1 was about more than just big power and price. With a carbon fiber chassis, center driver’s seat and purist focus on engineering, it channelled principles directly from F1. Of the 106 McLaren F1s built, auction prices now routinely exceed $10 million. As the visionary road car which pioneered technologies like carbon fiber construction, the F1 seems certain to remain collectible for generations.
Iconic classics from legendary brands like Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and McLaren have proven to be among the best cars to invest in. With enduring design and engineering, limited production, and enduring collectibility, these models represent automotive assets which continue appreciating strongly long after production ceases. For investors seeking hard assets and passionate investments, blue-chip collectible cars tick all the right boxes and have major appreciation upside.